X-ray for joint dysplasia

What it involves

Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of a joint — most often the hip or elbow — which leads to instability, pain and early degenerative joint disease. It has a hereditary basis, and its development is made worse by rapid growth and excess weight during puppyhood. Diagnosis is based on an X-ray taken in a strictly defined position.

The standard image of the hips requires the dog to lie on its back with the hind legs extended parallel and rotated inwards, so that the kneecaps are centred. In a conscious dog this is painful and cannot be achieved, so we carry out the examination under sedation or a short anaesthetic — this makes the image symmetrical and suitable for both breeding and clinical assessment.

The assessment covers the shape of the acetabulum and of the femoral head, how well the head is covered, and the presence of degenerative changes. We take images of the elbows in flexed lateral views and in front-to-back views. If the examination is for breeding purposes, we prepare it in line with the requirements of the kennel club (identification, the dog's age, images for submission for grading).

When it is used

Clinically: in a young dog (4–12 months old) of a large or giant breed with lameness, “bunny-hopping”, reluctance to get up, or pain when the hips are extended. Early diagnosis gives the most treatment options — from modifying activity to procedures that make sense only at a certain age.

For breeding: according to the kennel club's requirements — usually after the age of 12 or 18 months, depending on the breed. In older dogs we take hip X-rays as part of the diagnosis of degenerative joint disease.

Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit

• A puppy of a large breed gets up with difficulty, sways its hindquarters when walking, and runs “like a rabbit” with both hind legs together.
• A young dog limps on a front leg, turns its elbows outwards and does not want to go down stairs.
• After play, a dog is clearly stiff in the hind legs and avoids jumping into the car.
• During the examination a dog reacts with pain when the hip joints are extended.
• You plan to use a dog for breeding and need images for the kennel club's grading.
• A dog's parents or siblings have confirmed dysplasia and you want to check as a precaution.

Conditions for which we use it in particular

Diagnostics beforehand

Before the examination we carry out a full orthopaedic examination: observation of gait, palpation of the joints, assessment of the range of movement. Under sedation we add the Ortolani test, which in young dogs detects looseness of the joint before it can be seen on X-ray. The pre-sedation assessment according to STD-01 includes a clinical examination and — in older patients or those with other health problems — blood tests.

For a breeding examination the dog must have a microchip and have reached the age required by the kennel club; bring the pedigree. In clinical diagnosis we compare the images with the symptoms — not every dysplasia seen on an image is painful, and not every pain shows up on an image.

How it proceeds

Aftercare

After sedation a dog may be drowsy for a few hours — keep an eye on it on stairs, and give water and a light meal when it is fully awake. There are no other restrictions.

The breeding result comes back from the kennel club after a few weeks. For clinical dysplasia we agree a plan: a check-up after 4–8 weeks, a programme of weight and exercise control, and, if we are considering surgery, an orthopaedic consultation to discuss timing, because some operations (for example, corrective ones in puppies) have a narrow time window.

Frequently asked questions